Kelowna orchardist Fred Steele will remain at the helm of the British Columbia Fruit Grower’s Association (BCFGA), being re-elected as president today at their 126th annual convention in Penticton.

In a rematch from last year, Steele was able to win over his fellow running mate Jeet Dukhia. His vice-president, Bhupinder Dhaliwal of Oliver also kept his seat by acclimation and will stay as Steele’s VP.

“It is a good day when you do win,” Steele said shortly after the vote. “It is a humbling experience when you put yourself up to public office and you depend entirely on the electorate to decide whether or not you did a good job.”

He said, like always, the race between him and Dukhia was close.